In-line Water Hammer Arrester for Flexible Hose Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water hammer arresters are difficult to install in flexible hoses and tubing, requiring professional assistance and additional space, and are not suitable for retrofits or appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, leading to potential damage from pressure spikes.
Innovation Solution
An in-line water hammer arrester design featuring a piston and pressurized chamber, installed by crimping or sealing within a flexible hose, allowing for easy DIY installation and compatibility with standard hose diameters, eliminating the need for larger outlet boxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional water hammer arrester is installed perpendicular to the system pipe, then it effectively dampens pressure spikes, but it requires extra room for installation and larger outlet boxes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the installation orientation from perpendicular to in-line with the water flow direction. This dimensional reorientation allows the arrester to be installed within the existing hose diameter rather than requiring additional lateral space, effectively resolving the space constraint while maintaining pressure dampening functionality through the piston's axial movement
2Reliability
If a traditional water hammer arrester is installed perpendicular to the system pipe, then it effectively dampens pressure spikes, but it is difficult to install and requires professional assistance
Solution Approach 1:
By reorienting the arrester to install in-line with water flow rather than perpendicular, the patent enables installation within standard hose assemblies. This eliminates the need for complex pipe modifications, soldering, or specialized tools, allowing DIY installation while preserving the pressure dampening effect through the piston mechanism's response to flow direction changes
Solution Approach 2:
The in-line design allows the arrester to be integrated into standard flexible hoses that consumers can install themselves without requiring professional plumber assistance. The device leverages the existing water flow and hose structure to achieve self-contained installation and functionality
3Reliability
If a traditional water hammer arrester is installed perpendicular to the system pipe, then it effectively dampens pressure spikes, but it does not work with flexible hoses and tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the arrester from perpendicular to in-line installation, which is compatible with the flexible nature of hoses and tubing. This allows the device to be integrated into appliance supply lines where flexibility is required, while the piston mechanism continues to effectively dampen pressure spikes caused by valve closure
Solution Approach 2:
The in-line design makes the arrester universally applicable to both rigid piping and flexible hoses/tubing. The device can be installed in various locations including appliance supply lines, washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators, expanding its versatility while maintaining pressure protection functionality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The in-line design effectively dampens pressure spikes, reducing the risk of damage to piping systems and appliances, while being compact and easy to install, even in existing setups, without requiring professional help.
Implementation Method 1
a piston and a pressurized air pocket between the piston and the capped end
Implementation Method 2
When a pressure spike occurs, the pressurized water pushes against the piston in the arrester, which moves against the compressed air pocket until the pressure is stabilized
Data Source
AI summary
An in-line water hammer arrester comprises a housing connectable at each end to a piping system, a fluid channel disposed within the housing to permit fluid to flow from the piping system through the housing and back into the piping system, a piston and a pressurized chamber. When a pressure spike occurs, the piston is pushed against the pressurized chamber allowing an expanded area for water flow until the pressure spike is dissipated and the piston returns to its resting position. When used with flexible hoses and tubing typically found with household appliance water supply lines, the in-line arrester is easily installed by a crimping or clamping type connector and takes up little space.